Empowering Transgender & Nonbinary Safety & Wellbeing in Challenging Times: A Practical Guide

Amy Duffy-Barnes
Apr 16
3 min read

Transgender and Nonbinary strength, power and safety

As the social and political climate grows increasingly hostile toward transgender individuals, proactive safety planning, community support, and exploring potential relocation or asylum become essential. This guide offers actionable steps transgender individuals can take to ensure their safety, wellbeing, and long-term security.

🛡️ 1. Strengthen Personal and Digital Safety:

Create a Safety Plan:Develop a plan detailing safe places, trusted contacts, and secure transportation options. Establish emergency code words or signals with trusted individuals.
Enhance Digital Security:Use encrypted apps like Signal or Telegram for sensitive communications. Regularly update passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and consider using a VPN to protect your online identity.
Physical Safety Strategies:Consider attending LGBTQIA+ tailored self-defense training, carry emergency contacts, and identify local supportive community groups.

💬 2. Strengthen Community and Social Supports:

Participate in Mutual Aid:Join or build networks offering tangible support such as housing assistance, transportation, or crisis response.
Community Networks:Connect with local LGBTQIA+ organizations to ensure you have supportive allies and collective resilience during emergencies.

💼 3. Secure Financial Stability:

Build an Emergency Fund:Set aside money in secure and accessible financial accounts, separate from daily banking.
Protect Important Documents:Secure financial, medical, and legal documents, ensuring both physical and digital copies are safely stored.
Seek Supportive Institutions:Utilize LGBTQIA+-friendly banks or local credit unions known for affirming practices.

⚖️ 4. Legal Protections and Advocacy:

Update and Secure Legal Documents:Ensure IDs, passports, gender-marker changes, and legal names are accurate and safely stored.
Understand Your Rights:Stay informed via organizations such as the ACLU or National Center for Transgender Equality.
Document Discrimination:Record all incidents of harassment or discrimination clearly. Consider legal consultation through organizations like Immigration Equality.

🌎 5. Assess Relocation and Refugee Options:

If remaining in the United States becomes untenable, transgender individuals have valid grounds to seek refuge or asylum abroad. Several countries and organizations recognize persecution based on gender identity and offer specific programs:

Countries Open to LGBTQI+ Asylum:

Canada:Actively resettles transgender refugees via organizations such as Rainbow Railroad and national programs.
Germany, France, Finland, Denmark:Have publicly recognized risks to transgender individuals in the U.S., indicating openness to asylum claims on gender identity grounds.
Mexico:Offers streamlined citizenship pathways and has specialized shelters such as Casa Frida in Mexico City dedicated to LGBTQI+ asylum seekers.
Other LGBTQI+ Friendly Nations:Consider Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Portugal for their historically strong protections and social acceptance.

Support Organizations Offering Financial Assistance:

Rainbow Railroad:Helps LGBTQI+ individuals facing persecution find safe passage and secure resettlement abroad.
Trans Lifeline:Provides microgrants for relocation and legal documentation.
G.L.I.T.S. (Gays and Lesbians Living in a Transgender Society):Offers direct support with housing, healthcare, and emergency funds.
HIAS:Assists LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers with financial stability and integration.

Essential Steps in Relocation or Asylum Seeking:

Research: Investigate target countries' asylum policies and LGBTQI+ protections.
Documentation: Collect evidence of persecution, including personal testimonies, medical records, or reports documenting discrimination or harassment.
Legal Assistance: Consult with experienced immigration attorneys or advocacy groups like Immigration Equality.
Community Connection: Build relationships with local LGBTQI+ communities and organizations in your destination for smoother integration.

🧘 6. Prioritize Mental Health and Emotional Resilience:

Seek Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy:Engage therapists who are intersectionality-focused and understand the nuances of transgender and neurodivergent identities.
Practice Emotional Self-care:Limit exposure to distressing news, and create affirming, sensory-friendly spaces for emotional grounding.
Leverage Community Care:Participate in LGBTQI+ support groups that offer mutual emotional and psychological care.

📚 7. Continuous Education and Awareness:

Stay connected to advocacy organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Transgender Equality, and local LGBTQI+ resource centers.
Regularly update your knowledge of shifting laws, policies, and social conditions.

🌱 8. Foster Intersectional Solidarity:

Build Alliances:Collaborate with other marginalized communities and movements to strengthen collective advocacy efforts.
Support Grassroots Efforts:Actively participate in movements addressing broader systemic issues such as poverty, racism, ableism, and xenophobia.

🌈 Conclusion and Affirmation:

Despite increasingly challenging circumstances, transgender individuals have access to tangible tools and resources for self-protection, community support, and relocation if necessary. While the decision to leave one’s country is significant and complex, numerous international pathways and supportive organizations stand ready to assist transgender individuals seeking safer lives.

Your safety and wellbeing matter deeply, and your resilience is a testament to your strength and courage. You are not alone—support, community, and hope are available. Heartstone Guidance Center cares deeply about the safety and wellbeing of our transgender and nonbinary staff members and clients. Please reach out if you are not okay.

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